Habal-habal driver shot to death in Dumanjug

CEBU, Philippines - A habal-habal driver was killed by unidentified gunmen in Barangay Lawaan, Dumanjug town the other night.

Erwin Rebusquilo, 40, married, resident of Barangay Candabong sustained one gunshot wound on his forehead. The killing was initially linked to politics as Rebusquilo was said to be a political supporter of mayor-elect Nelson Garcia.

Dumanjug police chief Rodrigo Giangan however said the family of the victim said that he was not involved in politics or a supporter of a candidate in the last elections. Giangan said they also have not found evidence to link Rebusquilo’s murder to the hotly contested elections in the town last May 10.

Garcia’s opponent, Efren Gica, earlier claimed that their political supporter was murdered.

Rebusquilo was found dead at around 6:15 p.m. Monday by Quiriko Sumampong, a teacher of Lawaan elementary school. Sumampong reported the incident to the police station upon seeing the victim lying on the road bathed with his own blood.

The victim was brought to Barili District Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival by the doctors.

Initial investigation conducted by the Dumanjug police revealed that the victim was doing his job as habal-habal driver when an unknown assailant shot him on the forehead without any provocation. – THE FREEMAN